Absorbent garment with strand coated adhesive components

ABSTRACT

An absorbent garment includes a body panel having a terminal waist edge, at least first and second layers terminating at the terminal waist edge and at least one elastic element disposed between the first and second layers. The body panel has at least first and second adhesive regions. The first adhesive region is defined by the at least one elastic element, which is strand coated with a first adhesive. The second region is defined by a control coating of a second adhesive applied between the first and second layers. In one embodiment, the first region has a greater sensory softness than the second region. In one embodiment, the body panel, in an unstretched condition, has a surface softness with a can deviation of coefficient of friction less than about 0.020 in the first adhesive region. A method of assembling an absorbent garment include strand coating at least one elastic element with a first adhesive and applying a control coating of a second adhesive to a portion of at least one of a first and second layer of web material.

This application claims priority as a divisional of application Ser. No.11/024,954, filed on Dec. 28, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,430. Theentirety of application Ser. No. 11/024,954 is incorporated herein byreference.

The present invention relates generally to an absorbent garment, and inparticular, to an absorbent garment having strand coated elasticelements.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent garments can be configured in many different forms. Forexample, absorbent garments can be configured as a pant-type, pull-ongarment, or as a diaper-type product that is drawn up between the legsand fastened about the waist with various fastening systems. Typically,such absorbent garments are configured with a chassis that fits aroundthe body of the user. In some garments, the chassis includes one or morebody panels that are formed from at least two layers of material, withone or more elastic elements disposed between the layers. Typically, oneor more of the chassis layers is covered with a coating of adhesive thatsecures the layers and elastic element(s) in a laminate structure. Inother garments, the elastic elements are strand coated with an adhesiveand disposed between the layers of material. In some instances, theadhesive coverage can lead to a chassis that is relatively of andlacking in softness in certain areas, or that lacks requisite strengthproperties or manufacturing efficiencies in other areas of the garment.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, in one aspect, an absorbent garment includes a bodypanel having a terminal waist edge, first and second layers eachterminating at the terminal waist edge, and at least one waist elasticelement disposed between the first and second layers and extending in alateral direction parallel to the terminal waist edge. The body panelhas at least tint and second adhesive regions. The first adhesive regionis defined by the at least one elastic element, which is strand coatedwith a first adhesive. The second adhesive region is defined by acontrol coating of a second adhesive applied between the first andsecond layers. In one embodiment, the first adhesive region extends tothe terminal waist edge, and does not have any adhesive other than thestrand coated adhesive.

In another aspect, a method of assembling an absorbent garment includestrand coating at least one elastic element with a first adhesive andapplying a control coating of a second adhesive to a portion of one orboth of first and second layers of web material. The method furtherincludes disposing at least one elastic element between the first andsecond layers of web material and joining the first and second layers ofweb material with the at least one elastic element strand coated withthe first adhesive and the control coating of the second adhesive.

In yet another aspect, an absorbent garment includes a body panelstretchable between an unstretched condition and a stretched condition.The body panel includes first and second layers of spunbond material anda plurality of elastic elements disposed between the first and secondlayers in a spaced apart relationship. Each of the plurality of elasticelements has a strand coating of adhesive. The plurality of elasticelements define an adhesive region, wherein the body panel, in theunstretched condition, has a surface with a mean deviation ofcoefficient of friction less than about 0.020 in the adhesive region.

The absorbent garments and methods disclosed herein provide significantadvantages over other absorbent garments and methods for the use andmanufacture thereof. For example, the joining of body panel layers witha combination of strand coated elastic elements and control coatingprovides improved softness in a predetermined area of the garment whilemaintaining a requisite strength and integrity and/or ease ofmanufacturing in other predetermined areas. Moreover, by varying thespacing of the elastic elements and the amount of strand coating, thesoftness of the body panel can be greatly improved without sacrificingthe overall robustness of the garment.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of generalintroduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the followingclaims. The presently preferred embodiments, together with furtheradvantages, will be best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many of the features and dimensions portrayed in the drawings, and inparticular the presentation of layer thicknesses and the like, have beensomewhat exaggerated for the sake of illustration and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first body panel layer with first and secondadhesive regions with second body panel layers shown in partialcut-away.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an absorbent garment in a fiat, unfoldedcondition prior to the side seams being joined.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the absorbent garment taken along line 3-3of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the absorbent garment taken along line 4-4of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the absorbent garment taken along line 5-5of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a system for applying a strand-coating to anelastic element.

FIG. 7 is a sample ballot for a sensory test.

FIG. 8 is a graph of the design effects, including material and adhesiveapplication relative to softness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 2, it should be understood that the term“longitudinal,” as used herein, means of or relating to length or thelengthwise direction 100, and in particular, the direction runningbetween the from and back of the user. The term “laterally,” as usedherein means situated on, directed toward or running from side to side,and in particular, a direction 102 running from the left to the right ofa user, and vice versa. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” and “outer”as used herein are intended to indicate the direction relative to theuser wearing an absorbent garment over the crotch region, while theterms “inboard” and “outboard” refer to the direction relative to acenterline 8 of the garment. For example, the terms “inner” and “upper”refer to a “bodyside,” which means the side closest to the body of theuser, while the terms “outer” and “lower” refer to a “garment side.”

The term “both side” should not be interpreted to mean in contact withthe body of the user, but rather simply means the side that would facetoward the body of the user, regardless of whether the absorbent garmentis actually being we by the user and regardless of whether there are ormay be intervening layers between the component and the body of theuser. Likewise, the term “garment side” should not be interpreted tomean in contact with the garments of the user, but rather simply meansthe side that faces away from the body of the user, and therefore towardany outer garments that may be worn by the user, regardless of whetherthe absorbent garment is actually being worn by the user, regardless ofwhether any such outer garments are actually worn and regardless ofwhether there may be intervening layers between the component and anyouter garment.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, an absorbent garment 2 includes a first, frontbody panel 4 and a second, rear body panel 6. The first and second bodypanels each have an inner, bodyside surface 10 and an outer, garmentside surface 12. The first, from body panel 4 has a terminal edge 20defining a waist edge of the front body panel. At least one layer of thefront body panel 4 also has a terminal edge 16 defining a crotch edge ofthe front body panel. Likewise, the second, rear body panel 6 has aterminal edge 18 defining a waist edge of the rear body panel, with atleast one layer of the body panel further having a terminal edge 14defining a crotch edge of the body panel. Each of the first and secondbody panels has an outboard edge 24, 28 formed along the outer peripheryof laterally opposed side portions of the first and second body panel.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second body panels 4, 6 have taperededges 26 defining the leg opening. It should be understood that in analternative embodiment the edges can run parallel to each other in thelateral direction 102, or one of the edges can be tapered with the otherrunning parallel to the lateral direction. The terminal edges 14, 16 ofat least one layer of each of the first and second body panels arelongitudinally spaced to form an opening 34 therebetween in the crotchregion of the garment, while the second terminal edges 20, 18 of thefirst and second body panels form front and back waist edgesrespectively. One or more leg elastic elements 38 can be secured alongthe inner terminal edges of the body panels 4, 6 and along the sideedges of a crotch portion of the garment, and in particular an absorbentcomposite 50, to form a gasket with the leg of the user.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, one or more, and desirably a plurality, meaningtwo or more, laterally extending elastic elements 36 are secured to eachof the first and second body panels along the terminal edges 20, 18. Inone exemplary embodiment, a plurality of laterally extending elasticelements is longitudinally spaced across a portion of the waist regionof each of the front and rear body panels 4, 6. In one embodiment, theleg elastics 38 secured along the terminal edges of the body panels arespaced from and do not intersect the waist elastic elements 36, with theleg elastics 38 and the waist elastic elements 36 being retained bydifferent adhesive technologies as explained below.

In one exemplary embodiment, each body panel 4, 6 includes 23 elasticelements, or strands, longitudinally spaced over a length of about 7.22inches. The various waist and leg elastic elements can be formed fromrubber or other elastomeric materials. One suitable material is a Lycra®elastic material. In one embodiment, the elastic elements are made of aCreora Spandex 940 decitex, which corresponds to a diameter of about0.016 inches per strand. In another embodiment, each body panel has 27elastic strands spaced over a length of 8.53 inches. The elasticelements 36 allow for the body panels to be stretched in a lateraldirection 102 between an unstretched and stretched condition, whereinthe body panel is stretched to 120% of its unstretched length.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, a non-elasticized area108, 110 is formed between the elastic elements 36 extending along theupper waist portion of each of the front and rear body panels 4, 6 andthe elastic elements 38 extending along the lower terminal edges 14, 16defining the leg opening. In one embodiment, a portion of the waistelastic strands 36 are deadened, for example in the area overlying theretention portion on the first body panel 4, so as to form anon-elasticized area 107.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5, each body panel 4, 6 is formedas a composite or laminate material formed from at least two non-wovenlayers 112, 114, 116, otherwise referred to as substrates or laminates,with the plurality of elastic strands 38, 36 sandwiched therebetween.The two or more layers are bonded with various adhesives, such as hotmelt, or by other techniques, including for example and withoutlimitation ultrasonic bonding and heat pressure sealing. As shown inFIGS. 1-5, the inner layers 112, 116 or liners, defines the terminalcrotch edges 16, 14 and waist edges 20, 18 of the rear and front bodypanels 6, 4. The outer layer 114, or outer cover, extends the entirelength of the garment and further defines a crotch region 118 thereof.In one embodiment, all of the layers 112, 114, 116 have a free edge orterminate at the terminal waist edges 20, 18. The layers 112, 114 alsohave a free edge, or terminate at the terminal crotch edges 16, 14. Itshould be understood that the outer layer could be formed as twoseparate, longitudinally spaced pieces that mate with the correspondingliner layers and terminate at the crotch edges of the inner linerlayers, with the absorbent composite bridging and connecting the frontand rear body panels.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, each of the elastic elements 36 are individuallystrand coated with a strand coating of adhesive 120. In one embodiment,a Nordson Surewrap™ adhesive technology is used to strand coat theelastic elements. Various coating methods and techniques, includingstrand coating methods and techniques, are shown for example in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,340,648, 5,501,756, 5,507,909, 6,077,375, 6,200,635,6,235,137, 6,361,634, 6,561,430, 6,520,237, 6,582,518, 6,610,161,6,613,146, 6,652,693, 6,719,846 and 6,737,102, all of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 6, the elastic elements 36, with the strand coating120 applied thereto, are disposed between the layers of the body panel,such that the strand coated elastic elements 36 join the layerstogether. In particular, a first web 130 is introduced to a combiningroll 302. The strand coating 120 is applied to the elastic elements 36with an applicator 310 including one or more nozzles 304 in front of thecombining roll. The coated strand is then applied to the web 130 at thecombining roll, with the web and applied strand then introduced to asecond combining roll 306. The second web 132, 134 is also introduced tothe second combining roll 306 and joined to the first web with thestrand coated elastic elements disposed therebetween. The laminate isthen introduced to a nip 308. The elastic strand, with the strandcoating 120 is bonded to both the first and second webs 132, 134.

As shown in FIG. 1, the portion of the body panel secured with thestrand coated elastic elements is defined as a first adhesive region 122having a length L_(ar1). It should be understood that the length L_(ar1)can be different for the front and rear body panels. In one embodimentthe first adhesive region extends to the terminal waist edges 18, 20 ofeach body panel. Each adhesive region has a corresponding adhesivecoverage which is the area covered by the strand coated adhesive. Inparticular, the amount of adhesive coverage (AC) as a percentage of thearea of the adhesive region, is calculated by the following formula:AC(%)={d*N/[d*N+s*(N−1)]}*C*100

C=assumed adhesive coverage of each strand

d=diameter of strand

s=spacing between strands

N=number of strands

In one embodiment, described above, wherein 23 elastic strands, eachwith a diameter of 0.016 inches, are spaced over a length of 7.22inches, the adhesive coverage (AC), depending on C, is from about 0.25%to about 5.1% (maximum where C=1) of the area of the adhesive region. Inanother embodiment, described above, wherein 27 elastic strands, eachwith a diameter of 0.016 inches are spaced over a length of 8.53 inches,the coverage, depending on C, is from about 0.20% to about 4.1% (maximumwhere C=1) of the area of the adhesive region. In various embodiments,the adhesive coverage is from about 0.10% to about 6.00% of the area ofthe adhesive region. In one embodiment, the strand coated elasticelements 36 are the only adhesive component joining the layers 112, 116,114 of the body panel in the first adhesive region 122, which extends tothe terminal waist edge of the body panels 4, 6 as explained above.

In this way, the application of adhesive in the spaces between theelastic elements is eliminated, which provides a softer, more cloth-likefeel. In various embodiments, the spacing between the strand coatedelastic elements is between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, and suitablybetween about 6.50 mm and about 12.50 mm, and includes spacings of 5.00mm, 5.56 mm, 6.25 mm, 6.50 mm, 6.67 mm, 7.41 mm, 7.50 mm, 8.33 mm, 10mm, 11.11 mm, 12.50 mm and 15.00 mm. Of course, other spacings may alsobe suitable.

In other embodiments, a control coating of adhesive is also applied inthe first adhesive region. The coating can be in the form of acontinuous coat of adhesive, a swirl pattern, or other types of coating.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the portions of the bodypanel between the first adhesive region 122 and the crotch edges 14, 16of the body panel layer 112, 116 is formed by joining the layers 112,116, 114 with a control coating 124, 126 of adhesive in second adhesiveregions 104, 106, having respective lengths L_(ar2F) and L_(ar2R). Thiscontrol coating 124, 126 is further used to adhere the leg elasticelements 38 between the two layers 112, 116, 114 of the body panels 4,6. In this way, the waist region, or first adhesive region 122 of thefront and rear body panels is provided with a greater softness, whilethe control coat in the second adhesive regions 104, 106 facilitates themanufacturing process by allowing the leg elastics 38 to be placed intothe product without excess adhesive buildup. In one embodiment, the sameadhesive is used for the strand coating in the first adhesive region andthe control coating in the second adhesive region. In anotherembodiment, different adhesives are used for the strand coating andcontrol coating.

After the elastic elements 36 are strand coated and one or both of thebody panel layers are control coated in the second adhesive regions 104,106, the layers 112, 114, 116 are joined together with the elasticelements 36, 38 disposed therebetween. The body panel layers 112, 114,116 are run through a combining nip, which laminates the body panel webcomposite and bonds the strand coated elastic elements to both layers ofthe body panel. As shown in FIG. 1, a web 130 defining the outer coverlayer 114, as well as portions of the liner webs 132, 134 are cut, forexample by die cutting, to form the leg openings and crotch portion ofthe garment.

The body panel layers, including the inner liner 114, 116 and the outercover 112, are preferably made of a relatively homogenous non-wovenmaterial, whether made of one or more layers or substrates, andpreferably without any additional film materials or other types ofmaterials being laminated thereto. As such, the body panels can be madewith a relatively low basis weight, yet still exhibit requisite strengthproperties while remaining relatively soft to the touch. It should beunderstood that the body panels can be formed from more than two layersor substrates. Of course, it should be understood that the body panelscan be made up at least in part from other materials, including variousknitted or woven fabrics, polymer films, laminates and the like, in oneembodiment, the non-woven layers or substrates are made of a spunbondmaterial, for example a 0.55 osy wire-weave spunbond material.

The softness of the body panels can be determined in a variety ofdifferent ways, including sensory testing. One test method is theKawabata surface friction test, which demonstrates differences in thelaminate surface softness by measuring the mean deviation of thecoefficient of friction. In particular, the lower the mean deviation,the smoother/softer the surface, as correlated with additional sensorytesting.

The Kawabata surface friction best uses a Kawabata Evaluation System(KES-SE) surface friction electronic instrument manufactured by KatoTech Company, Japan, and which is equipped with a calculation circuit tomeasure frictional coefficient (MIU) and the mean deviation of thecoefficient of friction (MMD) of sheet-like materials.

During the test, a specimen is placed on a sliding table at a specifiedspeed. The moving direction and distance are detected by a potentiometeras the displacement output voltage. Surface friction is measured by aroughness sensor positioned against the specimen surface, or by using africtional force sensor with weight. The frictional force sensor isconnected to a frictional three transducer with a linear differentialtransformer. The measured values are closely related to the hand touchfeeling of a material's surface. In particular, a KES Surface Frictionand Surface Roughness Electronic Unit (ICES-SE-U) is used, together witha KES Surface Friction and Surface Roughness Mechanical Unit (KES-SE-U)which includes a 50-gram sensor weight, and a specimen fixation weight.The testing laboratory has a conditioned testing environment of 23±2° C.and 50±2° C. and 50±5% relative humidity. The probe for measuringfriction consists of 10 stainless steel wires each with a diameter of0.5 mm and a length of 10 mm. The required number of specimens is cutfrom a sample. Each specimen is cut to a dimension of approximately 10by 10 centimeters, or in one embodiment 10 cm in the machine directionby 6 cm in the cross direction, with the surface testing being performedonly in the machine direction and with the sample mounted such that themachine direction is parallel to the moving direction of the bed. Themeasured distance on the sample is 2 cm.

The test is run according to the following steps:

1. The cable labeled FR on the mechanical unit is connected to the FR-DTport located in back of the KES unit.

2. The analog meter for surface friction is positioned on the left sideof the electronic unit and is labeled FRICTION. The zero adjust dial forsurface friction testing is labeled FR-ZERO.

3. Press the black button labeled FR-T.

4. Turn the CHECK OSC/BAL/MES knob to OSC. The needle of each analogmeter should be positioned at approximately 10 volts. If the deviationis larger than 2 volts, do not use the equipment; repair is required.

5. Position the FRIC DT/GU knob to DT.

6. Toggle the SENS switch to the appropriate position; e.g., the Hposition or the L Position.

7. Turn the CHECK OSC/BAL/MES knob to BAL. The needle on the analogmeter labeled FRICTION should be positioned at 0±1 volt. When it isnecessary to adjust the BAL, use a small screwdriver and adjust theFR-BAL and FRC-BAL in the following order: first adjust the FR-BAL, andthen adjust the FRC-BAL.

8. Turn the CHECK OSC/BAL/MES knob to MES. The digital readout shoulddisplay ±00.00 volt. If it is necessary to adjust the MES, unlock thezero adjust dial labeled FR-ZERO, make the necessary adjustment, andrelock the dial.

9. Turn the SPEED knob to one of the following selections: 1, 2, 5, or10 mm/s to set the testing speed. The standard setting for the SPEEDknob is 1 mm/s. Toggle the SPEED switch to either 1/10 or 1 to adjustthe speed knob selection. The standard setting for the SPEED switch is1.

10. Remove the screws to the specimen fixing chuck and remove thespecimen fixing chock from the specimen table.

11. While holding the white knob of the frictional force detectorhousing, loosen the fixing screw and adjust the sensor hanging shaftheight so the center of the frictional force sensor hanging shaft isapproximately aligned horizontally with the top of the specimen table.Once approximately aligned, tighten the fixing screw.

12. Place the specimen fixing chuck on the specimen table. Place thescrews in the specimen fixing chuck, and tighten sufficiently so thespecimen fixing chuck remains in place.

13. Select the KES program by double-clicking the KES TEST Ver 6.36icon.

14. Select Tester (S) from the menu bar at the top of the KES-FB SystemMeasurement Program screen.

15. Select SE and Friction Measure from the drop-down menu.

16. Friction Sensitivity: When H is selected on the electronic unit,select H as a standard setting. When L is selected on the electronicunit, select L as a standard setting.

17. Speed: Select the appropriate speed; 1 and 1 are standard settings.

18. Friction Static Load: Select 50 as a standard input value if usingthe sensor weight. Select 25 as the standard input value if the sensoris used without the sensor weight.

19. Loosen the screws on the specimen fixing chuck sufficiently that thespecimen can be positioned under the chuck. Lift the top of the fixingchuck; place the specimen on the specimen table and under the chuck sothat it is approximately centered on the specimen table. Tighten thespecimen fixing chuck screws sufficiently to hold the specimen firmly inplace. Avoid touching the test areas.

20. Place the specimen fixation weight over the specimen, so the narrowside of the specimen fixation weight is approximately centered betweenthe specimen fixing chuck screws and aligned approximately 1 cm from theright edge of the specimen thing chuck.

21. Ensure the digital display reads ±00.00 volt. If it does not, unlockthe zero adjust dial labeled FR-ZERO, make the necessary adjustment, andrelock the dial.

22. Carefully place the frictional force sensor onto the sensor hangingshaft.

23. Ensure the frictional force sensor is properly seated on the hangingshaft by placing a finger lightly on the frictional force sensor's freeend. When the frictional force sensor is properly seated, ensure thedigital readout displays ±00.00 volt. If necessary, carefully repositionthe frictional force sensor.

24. Select WARP for the MD testing or WEFT for the CD testing on thecomputer.

25. Select Measure (M) from the menu bar at the top of the screen.

26. Select Manual Start from the drop-down menu.

27. Press the black button labeled SR-T.

28. Press the black button labeled FR-T.

29. Press the black button labeled MIU.

30. Click OK or press either the Enter key or spacebar.

31. Electronic unit: Press and hold for approximately 1 second the greenbutton labeled MES START. The specimen table on the mechanical unit willbegin to move. A graph will display as the test runs. At the completionof the test, the results will display.

32. Record the coefficient of friction (MIU1) in the forward direction(INT) to the nearest 0.01 unit.

33. Record the mean deviation of the coefficient of friction (MMD1) theforward direction (INT) to the nearest 0.01 unit.

34. Record the static load in grams.

35. Record the speed in nun/second.

36. Record the sensitivity as H or L.

37. Report the coefficient of friction value (MIU1) to the nearest 0.001unit by multiplying by the appropriate factor. For the load set at 50 g,speed at 1 mm/s and sensitivity=H, the factor for MIU is 0.1 and thefactor for MMD is 0.01.

38. Report the mean deviation of MIU (MMD1) to the nearest 0.0001 unitby multiplying by the appropriate factor.

As shown in Table 1, the mean deviation for each sample of material waslowered when the layers were joined by strand coating as opposed tocontrol coating. The mean deviation was calculated for each sample in astretched (120% of unstretched length) and unstretched condition.

TABLE 1 COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION AND MEAN DEVIATIN OF MIU UnstretchedStretched Coefficient of Mean Deviation Coefficient Mean DeviationProduct Friction of MIU of Friction of MIU 0.50 osy Wire-Weavew/Meltblown ADH 0.355 0.022 0.467 0.024 0.50 osy Wire-Weave w/StrandCoat ADH 0.397 0.015 0.374 0.012 0.55 osy Wire-Weave (Erucamide)w/Meltblown ADH 0.390 0.023 0.362 0.019 0.55 osy Wire-Wave (Erucamide)w/Strand Coat ADH 0.362 0.018 0.347 0.015 0.55 osy Wire-Weavew/Meltblown ADH 0.463 0.025 0.366 0.020 0.55 osy Wire-Weave w/StrandCoat ADH 0.492 0.017 0.389 0.016 0.55 osy Rib Knit w/Meltblown ADH 0.3760.026 0.389 0.021 0.55 osy Rib Knit w/Strand Coat ADH 0.377 0.019 0.3930.017 0.55 osy EHP w/Meltblown ADH 0.370 0.024 0.324 0.016 0.55 osy EHPw/Strand Coat ADH 0.373 0.019 0.344 0.014 Static Load = 50 g Speed = 1mm/s Sensitivity = H

As can be seen from Table 1, five different materials were joined usingtwo bonding techniques—strand coating, and meltblown control coating. Ineach instance, the sample made with strand coating had a lower meandeviation of coefficient of friction than the corresponding sample madewith the meltblown control coating. Moreover each of the strand coatedsamples had a mean deviation of less than about 0.020 in the unstretchedcondition and a mean deviation of less than about 0.018 in the stretchedcondition.

Shear testing is also used to analyze the shear stiffness of materials.In this test, the specimen is held under a constant tensile force andapplied a shear deformation at a constant rate of 0.417millimeters/second.

The mechanical properties under shear stress are importantcharacteristics of the hand-feel of materials. Shearing stiffness is theease with which the fibers slide against each other resulting insoft/pliable to stiff rigid structures. Lower values of shear stiffnessindicate less resistance to shearing movement which corresponds to asofter material having better drape, while higher shear stiffnessindicates lower conformability and bulk softness. The shear stiffness isused to assess the conformation of the materials to curved surfaces andas an indicator of bulk softness of the materials.

The shear hysteresis (2HG) is the mean hysteresis at positive andnegative shear angles. The larger the value, the worse the recoveryability or less apt the material is to return to its initial state.Shear stiffness (G), also called “shear rigidity,” is calculated as themean of the slopes of plots of shear force versus shear angle curve. Theslopes are obtained at positive shear angle reference (i.e., 0.5 degreesto 2.5 degrees) and negative shear angle reference (i.e., −0.5 degreesto −2.5 degrees). The larger the value, the higher the shearing rigidityor more resistant to deformation the material is. In the shear test, thesample is given a constant tension of 10 gf/cm and then applied a sheardeformation at a shear strain rate of 0.417 mm/s

A Kawabata Evaluation System (KES-FB-1) shear test model available fromKato Tech Company, Japan, including a Tensile & Shear Electronic Unit,KES Tensile & Shear Mechanical Unit and KES tool kit are used for thetesting. The following test procedure is followed:

1. Position the SHEAR/TENSILE function knob on the mechanical unit tothe SHEAR position.

2. Toggle the POWER switch to the ON position on the electronic unit andallow the equipment to warm up for a minimum of 15 minutes.

3. The SENS switches are set to the 2 and X5 setting.

4. Turn the OSC/BAL/MES knob to OSC. The needle of the analog metershould be positioned at approximately 10 volts. If it is necessary toadjust the OSC, place a small screwdriver in the OSC adjustment andturn.

5. Turn the OSC/BAL/MES knob to BAL. The needle on the analog metershould be positioned between 0.00 and 0.05 volts. If it is necessary toadjust the BAL, unlock the AC Bal dial, make the necessary adjustment,and relock the dial.

6. Press the black button labeled X.

7. Turn the OSC/BAL/MES knob to MES. The needle on the analog metershould be positioned to approximately 0 volts and the digital readoutshould read ±0.00. If it is necessary to adjust the MES, unlock the ZEROADJ dial, make the necessary adjustment, and relock the dial. Leave theOSC/BAL/MES knob positioned to MES.

8. Set the degree of shear deformation by toggling the VAR/SET switch tothe appropriate setting and if necessary adjusting the SHEAR CONTROL,SPAN knob to the appropriate degree of Shear angle. When a sheardeformation of 2 to 7 degrees is desired, toggle the switch to VAR. Toadjust the degree of deformation to a setting other than 2 degrees butless than 8 degrees, rotate the SHEAR CONTROL, SPAN knob accordingly.

9. Open the KES program on the computer by double-clicking on theKES-MES VER 7.06E icon.

10. Select Testers (S) from the menu bar at the top of the KES-FB SystemMeasurement Program screen.

11. Select FB1 from the drop-down menu.

12. Select Measurement (M) from the menu bar at the top of the screen.

13. Select Optional Condition, Shear from the drop-down menu.

14. Select the appropriate settings from the following options:

-   -   a. Sample Width: Enter the appropriate specimen width. The width        of the specimen refers to the CD direction.    -   b. Shear Angle: Enter the degree of shear deformation.    -   c. Meas Mode: Select the appropriate mode; 1 cycle is the        standard selection.    -   d. Repetition: Enter the appropriate number of cycles; 1 is the        standard selection. Enter a value no greater than 10 for a        cycling test.

15. Loosen the screws on the mechanical unit holding the front and backchucks, if necessary.

16. Toggle the clutch switch to the OFF position.

17. With fingers rotate the front chuck dial so the indicator is alignedwith the 0 of the front chuck dial.

18. While holding the front chuck dial in position, toggle the clutchswitch to the ON position.

19. Hang the appropriate tension bar by placing the pins into the pinholes located on the front chuck. When testing specimens that are 10 by10 cm, use the 100 g tension bar. When testing specimens that are 20 by20 cm, use the 200 g tension bar.

20. Cut the required number of specimens to a minimum dimension ofapproximately 10 by 10 cm.

21. Enter the appropriate information on the computer for the following:

-   -   a. Direction: Select WARP for the MD testing or WEFT for the CD        testing.    -   b. Sample No.: In the first input box enter a sample number up        to 999. In the second input box enter a specimen number up to        99.

22. On the electronic unit, ensure the digital display reads ±0.00. Ifnot, unlock the ZERO ADS dial, adjust as necessary, and relock the dial.

23. On the mechanical unit, open the hinged portion of the front chuckand place the specimen through the opening so the edge of the specimenis approximately parallel to the chuck and centered with the centerchuck screw. Close the chuck.

24. Carefully open the hinged portion of the back chuck and place thespecimen through the opening. Close the chuck. Specimens are usuallytested in both the md and cd directions. Either side of the specimen mayface upward; test results are not affected.

25. Finger-tighten the screws on the chucks.

26. Electronic unit: Ensure the digital readout displays between ±0.00and ±0.02. If the digital readout does not display between ±0.00 and±0.02, loosen the screws on the mechanical unit's front and back chucks,reposition the specimen, and retighten the screws on the chucks. If thedigital readout still does not display between ±0.00 and ±0.02 removethe specimen and reposition until the digital readout displays between±0.00 and ±0.02.

27. Mechanical unit: Toggle the clutch switch to OFF.

28. Electronic unit: Press the black button labeled RES. Press the blackbutton labeled INT.

29. Computer: Select Measure (M) from the menu bar at the top of theKES-FB System Measurement Program FB1-Optional Shear screen.

30. Select Auto Start from the drop-down menu.

31. Change the shear stiffness (G) values to 0.5 in the first input boxand 2.5 in the second input box.

32. Change the shear hysteresis (2HG) values to 0.5 in the input box. Ifthe values need to be changed, place the cursor in the appropriate spaceand type in the appropriate value. Press the Enter key.

33. Record the shear stiffness (G) values.

34. Record the shear hysteresis (2HG) values.

35. Record the degree of shear deformation and the weight of the tensionbar used.

36. Repeat the steps for each remaining specimens.

37. Report the mean (M) shear stiffness values (G) to the nearest 0.01unit.

38. Report the mean (M) shear hysteresis values (2HG) to the nearest0.01 unit.

39. Report the degree of shear deformation and the weight of the tensionbar used.

As shown in Tables 2 and 3, shear testing was performed on a 0.55 osyspunbond panel. In particular, five specimens of a laminate materialjoined by control coating (Sample 1—code 186) were compared with fivespecimens of a laminate material formed by strand coating (Sample 2—code374). As can be seen from Tables 2 and 3, the strand coated sample had alower shear stiffness in both the machine and cross directions (0.762 gand 1.090 g respectively) than the meltblown control coated sample(1.090 g and 3.040 g), which corresponds to a softer material.

The parameters for the testing were as follows:

Specimen site=10×10 cm

Weight used=100 g

Shear angle=6 degrees

Shear stiffness values of G=0.5, 2.5

Shear stiffness values of 2HG=0.5

TABLE 2 Shear of Materials (Machine Direction) Machine Direction ShearStiffness (G) Hysteresis (2 HG) Mean Mean Sample 1 Specimen 1 MD 0.9 1.7Specimen 2 MD 0.85 2 Specimen 3 MD 0.9 1.85 Specimen 4 MD 0.83 1.75Specimen 5 MD 0.8 1.8 Average 0.8560 1.8200 Sample 2 Specimen 1 MD 0.751.9 Specimen 2 MD 0.8 1.4 Specimen 3 MD 0.83 1.55 Specimen 4 MD 0.681.55 Specimen 5 MD 0.75 1.77 Average 0.7620 1.6200 Parameters LaboratoryConditions: TAPPI Specimen size = 10 × 10 cm Weight used = 100 g Shearangle = 6 degrees Shear stifness values of G = 0.5, 2.5 Shear stiffnessvalues of 2 HG = .5

TABLE 3 Shear of Materials (Cross Direction) Cross Direction ShearStiffness (G) Hysteresis (2 HG) Mean Mean Sample 1 Specimen 1 CD 1.182.85 Specimen 2 CD 1.2 2.9 Specimen 3 CD 1.35 3.4 Specimen 4 CD 1.35 3.4Specimen 5 CD 1.13 3 Average 1.2420 3.1100 Sample 2 Specimen 1 CD 1.052.95 Specimen 2 CD 1.05 3.00 Specimen 3 CD 1.10 3.05 Specimen 4 CD 1.103.15 Specimen 5 CD 1.15 3.05 Average 1.09 3.0400

In addition to the instrument testing, sensory testing was alsoperformed to evaluate the “sensory softness” of strand coated laminatesas compared with control coated laminates. The sensory testing wascompleted using the following methodology:

Panelists:

A panel of twelve (12) people is initially selected. For example, forthe testing completed herein, a panel of twelve women were selected. Aspecialized training session will occur prior to the actual producttesting sessions. During this two hour session, the testing procedureswill be explained to the panelists as they evaluate a set of practicesamples (similar but not identical to the test products).

Sample Preparation:

The test material sections are 10 inches long by 6 inches wide. Forexample, the sections can be cut from the waist area of absorbentgarments. Two sections are bonded to form side seals, such that thesample is two thicknesses of the material and simulates the waistsection of an undergarment. Scaling Method:

Each panelist evaluates multiple sets of four test products. Thepanelists order or arrange the products for softness from the most softto the least soft. The responses are recorded on a computerized ballot,similar to that shown in FIG. 7. Each sample is identified by a 3-digitblinding code. Categorical data is generated that wilt be analyzed usinglogistic regression techniques.

Presentation Designs:

An initial presentation set size (block) of four samples is used, sincethere may be potential difficulties in evaluating multiple samples atone time. When more than four products are to be tested in a study, abalanced incomplete blocks (BIB) can be used.

Panelist Instructions:

A general description of the test procedure is listed below, as it ispresented to the panelist.

Overall Softness—

-   -   The sensory softness of the material, as perceived when gently        grasping it with both hands.    -   Perform the procedure for each individual sample, going left to        right. Using both hands, gently grasp the sample from the sides        with the thumbs on top and the fingertips below. While moving        the fingertips in a circular motion over the surface, evaluate        for softness. After feeling each sample once, you may compare        any two samples by simultaneously grasping one in the left hand        and one product in the right hand. Rank the samples from most to        least for Overall Softness

Testing Steps:

-   -   1. A stack of four samples is presented to each panelist. The        panelist receives the stack and arranges the samples left to        right, starting from the left (top on left, bottommost on        right).    -   2. The panelist evaluates each product individually starting on        the far left and moving in sequence to the right as instructed        above.    -   3. The panelist enters their evaluation on the computerized        ballot.

Results:

Sensory testing using the above-referenced methodology evaluated eighttest products. The testing was conducted over two days. All eightproducts were compared by the panelists during each of four sessions(two sessions per day). This allowed for reliability assessments to bemade both within testing days and between testing days. For eachsession, the panelists evaluated six sets of products to rank, each setconsisting of a subset of four products. This is a balanced incompleteblocks (BIB) presentation design. Table 4 summarizes the overall designof the study:

TABLE 4 Study Design Day 1 Session 1 Compare 8 Within-Day products*{close oversize brace} Session 2 Compare 8 Reliability products*Between-Day {close oversize brace} Reliability Day 2 Session 3 Compare 8Within-Day products* {close oversize brace} Session 4 Compare 8Reliability products* *Four products are ranked at one time. Eachpanelists sees six separate sets of products. Twelve panelists.

Statistical Analysis:

Bases Analysis:

A proportional hazards logistic regression model was used to analyze theordinal data. All ranking responses were used to generate individualscores for each product that fall along a linear scale. The statisticalcomparisons between products may be based on data from one or moreindividual testing sessions, depending on the results of the reliabilityanalyses.

Reliability:

Within-day reliability estimates are made by correlating the two sets ofscores made on each day: Session 1 with 2 and Session 3 with 4. Thebetween day reliability estimates are then made by first collapsing thedata within each day and then correlating Day 1 with Day 2. Additionalreliability analyses can also be made as the data merit.

Designed Experiment:

Because the eight products were made according to a specified designmatrix, a 4 (material)×2 (adhesive style) factorial analysis wasconducted that also uses the proportional hazards statistical model. Themain effects and the interaction will be assessed to examine therelationships among the product variables.

The test products are set forth in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Test Products Cell Code Description 1 186 0.55 osy EHP withMeltblown Adhesive 1 374 0.55 osy Wire-Weave with Strand Coated Adhesive1 721 0.55 osy EHP with Meltblown Adhesive 1 812 0.55 osy EHP withStrand Coated Adhesive 1 239 0.55 osy Rib-Knit with Meltblown Adhesive 1493 0.55 osy Rib-Knit with Strand Coated Adhesive 1 375 0.55 osyWire-Weave (Erucamide) with Meltblown Adhesive 1 514 0.55 osy Wire-Weave(Erucamide) with Strand Coated Adhesive

The results of the testing are shown in Tables 6-9.

TABLE 6 Pairwise Comparisons for Rank Score for Most Soft PairwiseComparisons Rank Score or Most Soft All Products Low Score Modeled AsBest Overall Log Standard 95% Code Code Probability Odds Error Groupling493 812 514 186 375 721 239 374 58.1 1.2007 0.2358 A 74/26 77/23 94/6100/0 100/0 100/0 100/0 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 493 20.10.1373 0.1785 B 53/47 84/16 99/1 100/0 100/0 100/0 .442 .000 .000 .000.000 .000 812 17.5 0.0000 0.3011 B 82/18 99/1 100/0 100/0 100/0 .000.000 .000 .000 .000 514 4.0 −1.4871 0.2211 C 96/4 98/2 99/1 99/1 .000.000 .000 .000 186 0.2 −4.5880 0.3842 D 72/28 77/23 83/17 .000 .000 .000375 0.1 −5.5274 0.3954 C 57/43 65/35 .161 .001 721 0.1 −5.7988 0.3982 E58/42 045 239 0.0 −6.1401 0.3989 F

TABLE 7 Summary of the Ordinal Regression Analysis Sample Linear Signif.Attribute Product Size Prob. † Score †† Grouping Softnesss Day 1 0.55OSY WIRE-WEAV W STRAND COAT ADHES 96 0.59 2.5 a 0.55 OSY RIB-KNIT WITHSTRAND COAT ADHES 96 0.19 1.4 b 0.55 0SY EHP WITH STRAND COATED ADHESIVE96 0.17 1.2 b 0.55 OSY WIR-WEV ERUCAMID W STRA COAT AD 96 0.05 0.0 c0.55 OSY WIRE-WEAVE W W MELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 96 0.00 −2.8 d 0.55 OSYWIR-WEV ERUCAMIDE W MELTBLO ADH 96 0.00 −3.7 e 0.55 OSY EHP WITHMELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 96 0.00 −4.1 ef 0.55 OSY RIB-KNIT WITH MELTBLOWNADHES 96 0.00 −4.4 f Softness Day 2 0.55 OSY WIRE-WEAV W STRAND COATADHES 96 0.61 3.2 a 0.55 OSY RIB-KNIT WITH STRAND COAT ADHES 96 0.20 2.0b 0.55 OSY EHP WITH STRAND COATED ADHESIVE 96 0.17 1.9 b 0.55 OSYWIR-WEV ERUCAMID W STRA COAT AD 96 0.03 0.0 c 0.55 OSY WIRE-WEAVE WMELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 96 0.00 −3.5 d 0.55 OSY WIR-WEV ERUCAMIDE W MELTBLOADH 96 0.00 −4.5 e 0.55 OSY EHP WITH MELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 96 0.00 −4.7 ef0.55 OSY RIB-KNIT WITH MELTBLOWN ADHES 96 0.00 −5.0 f

TABLE 8 Summary of the Ordinal Regression Analysis Product NumberAttribute Product Name Sam. Size * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Softness 0.55 OSY 961 76/24 78/22 92/8 100/0 100/0 100/0 100/0 Day 1 WIRE-WEAV W STRAND COATADHES 0.55 OSY 96 2 24/76 — 53/47 80/20 99/1 99/1 100/0 100/0 RIB-KNITWITH STRAND COAT ADHES 0.55 OSY EHP 96 3 22/78 47/53 — 78/22 98/2 99/1100/0 100/0 WITH STRAND COATED ADHESIVE 0.55 OSY 96 4 8/92 20/80 22/78 —94/6 98/2 98/2 99/1 WIR-WEV ERUCAMID W STRA COAT AD 0.55 OSY 96 5 0/1001/99 2/98 6/94 — 71/29 77/23 83/17 WIRE-WEAVE W MELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 0.55OSY 96 6 0/100 1/99 1/99 2/98 29/71 — 59/41 68/32 WIR-WV ERUCAMIDE WMELTBLO ADH 0.55 OSY EHP 96 7 0/100 0/100 0/100 2/98 23/77 41/59 — 59/41WITH MELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 0.55 OSY 96 8 0/100 0/100 0/100 1/99 17/83 32/6841/59 — RIB-KNIT WITH MELTBLOWN ADHES Softness 0.55 OSY 96 1 — 76/2478/22 96/4 100/0 100/0 100/0 100/0 Day 2 WIRE-WEAV W STRAND COAT ADHES0.55 OSY 96 2 24/76 — 53/47 88/12 100/0 100/0 100/0 100/0 RIB-KNITSTRAND COAT ADHES 0.55 OSY EHP 96 3 22/78 47/53 — 87/13 100/0 100/0100/0 100/0 WITH STRAND COATED ADHESIVE 0.55 OSY 96 4 4/96 12/88 13/87 —97/3 99/1 99/1 99/1 WIR-WEV ERUCAMID W STRA COAT AD 0.55 OSY 96 5 0/1000/100 0/100 3/97 — 75/25 78/22 83/17 WIRE-WEAVE W MELTBLOWN 0.55 OSY 966 0/100 0/100 0/100 1/99 25/75 — 54/46 62/38 WIR-WEV ERUCAMIDE W MELTBLOADH 0.55 OSY EHP 96 7 0/100 0/100 0/100 1/99 22/78 46/54 — 58/42 WITHMELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 0.55 OSY 96 8 0/100 0/100 0/100 1/99 17/83 38/6242/58 — RIB-KNIT WITH MELTBLOWN ADHES

TABLE 9 Summary of the Ordinal Regression Analysis HAP-E Study A84113_01-- CHOMP Softer Outer Cover Evaluation Product Number Attrib. ProductName Sample Size * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Day 1 0.55 OSY 96 1 — 0.000 0.001<0.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 WIRE-WEAV W STRAND COAT 0.55 OSYRIB-KNIT 96 2 0.000 — 0.631 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 WITHSTRAND COAT ADHES 0.55 OSY EHP 96 3 0.001 0.631 — <.0001 <.0001 <.0001<.0001 <.0001 WITH STRAND COATED ADHESIVE 0.55 OSY WIR-WEV 96 4 <.0001<.0001 <.0001 — <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 ERUCAMID W STRA COAT AD 0.55OSY 96 5 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 — <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 WIRE-WEAVE WMELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 0.55 OSY WIR-WEV 96 6 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.00010.001 — 0.205 0.010 ERUCAMIDE W MELTBLO ADH 0.55 OSY EHP 96 7 <.0001<.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 0.205 — 0.131 WITH MELTDOWN ADHESIVE 0.55OSY RIB-KNIT 96 8 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 0.010 0.131 — WITHMELTDOWN ADHES Day 2 0.55 OSY 96 1 — <.0001 0.000 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001<.0001 <.0001 WIRE-WEAV W STRAND COAT ADHES 0.55 OSY RIB-KNIT 96 2<.0001 — 0.646 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 WITH STRAND COAT ADHES0.55 OSY EHP 96 3 0.000 0.646 — <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 WITHSTRAND COATED ADHESIVE 0.55 OSY WIR-WEV 96 4 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 —<.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 ERUCAMID W STRA COAT AD 0.55 OSY 96 5 <.0001<.0001 <.0001 <.0001 — 0.000 <.0001 <.0001 WIRE-WEAVE W MELTBLOWNADHESIVE 0.55 OSY WIR-WEV 96 6 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 0.000 — 0.5500.047 ERUCAMIDE W MELTBLO ADH 0.55 OSY EHP 96 7 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001<.0001 <.0001 0.550 — 0.168 WITH MELTBLOWN ADHESIVE 0.55 OSY RIB-KNIT 968 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 <.0001 0.047 0.168 — WITH MELTBLOWN ADHES

As can be seen in Table 6, the comparisons on the right hand sidereflect the percent that a particular sample was determined to have agreater sensory softness relative to a comparative sample. For example,the 0.55 osy Wire-Weave material (code 374) with strand coating adhesivewas determined to have a greater sensory softness than the 0.55 osyrib-knit material (code 493) joined with strand coated adhesive 75% ofthe time, and had a greater sensory softness than the corresponding 0.55osy wire-weave material (code 186) with meltblown control coatedadhesive 100% of the time. Indeed, the strand coated wire-weave material(code 374) was determined to have the greatest sensory softness with a95% confidence (Group A). Referring to the 95% grouping column of Table6 and also FIG. 8, it is readily apparent that all of the strand coatedmaterials were determined to have a greater sensory softness than all ofthe control coated materials, and more specifically were determined tohave a greater sensory softness than the corresponding materials joinedwith control coating. As shown in Tables 7-9, the ranking of thematerials was consistent from the day 1 and day 2 testing. In addition,the sensory testing correlates with the friction and shear instrumenttesting.

Other sensory test methods for use in evaluating the softness or othersoothing attributes of an article are disclosed in U.S. PatentPublication No. US2004/0003670A1, filed Jan. 8, 2004, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 2, the opposite side edges 24 of the front body panel4 are joined to the opposite side edges 28 of the rear body panel 6 toform a seam, in other embodiments (not shown), fastening members or tabsare attached and extend laterally inboard from the outboard side edge ofthe front body panel. The fastening members can be configured toreleasably engage a portion of the front body panel or the rear bodypanel, in other embodiments, the fastening members are secured to therear body panel and releasably engage the front body panel or anotherportion of the rear body panel. A line of weakness can be provided inone or both of the front and rear body panels to allow the garment to beadjusted using the fastening members after the garment is separatedalong the line of weakness. In this way, prior to the breaking of theline of weakness, the absorbent garment can be configured as a pant-likegarment, which can be pulled over the legs of the user.

In an alternative embodiment, the front and rear body panels are formedintegrally, for example as one panel extending around the waist and hipsof the user, and then secured, for example by a single side seam.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-5, the absorbent garment includes anabsorbent composite 50 having first and second longitudinally opposedterminal end edges 60, 62. The absorbent composite includes asubstantially liquid permeable topsheet 134, or liner, and asubstantially liquid impermeable backsheet 136, or outer cover. Aretention portion 70 is disposed or sandwiched between the topsheet andthe backsheet, which are connected. An upper tissue layer 136 isdisposed between the retention portion 70 and the single layer 72.Alternatively, a lower tissue substrate can be disposed adjacent anopposite side of the retention portion, or the tissue can completelyenvelope the retention position. The topsheet, backsheet and othercomponents of the absorbent composite 50 can be joined for example withadhesive bonds 140, 142, 144, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, pinning,stitching or any other attachment techniques known in the art, as wellas combinations thereof. For example, a uniform continuous layer ofadhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesiveor any array of lines, swirls or spots of construction bonds may be usedto join the topsheet and backsheet, or any of the other componentsdescribed herein.

Additional layers, including for example, a surge layer 72, can also beincorporated into the absorbent composite. Preferably, the surge layerdoes not run the entire length of the absorbent composite and is shorterthan the retention portion. The topsheet can be indirectly joined to thebacksheet by affixing the topsheet to intermediate layers, such as thesurge layer or retention portion, which in turn is affixed to thebacksheet.

The backsheet 136 is preferably liquid impermeable, but may be liquidpermeable, e.g., when an additional harder layer is used with theretention portion.

The retention portion 70 is preferably made of an absorbent material,which tends to swell or expand as it absorbs liquid excreted or exudedby the user. For example, the absorbent material can be made ofairformed, airlaid and/or wetlaid composites of fibers and highabsorbency materials, referred to as superabsorbents. In addition,various foams, absorbent films, and superabsorbent fabrics can be usedas an absorbent material.

The retention portion 70 has laterally opposed side edges and preferablyis made of a single layer of material. The retention portion preferablyhas an hour-glass shape with enlarged end regions. Alternatively, theretention portion can include a folded or multi-layered configuration.The retention portion preferably has a length substantially equal to, orslightly shorter than, the length of the absorbent composite. Theretention portion can include one or more barrier layers attached to theabsorbent material.

Referring to FIG. 3, the garment side of the absorbent composite, and inparticular, the outer, garment side surface of the backsheet 136, issecured to the bodyside surface of the first and second body panels 4, 6and to the bodyside surface of the crotch portion 118 of the outer cover114 with an adhesive layer 146. It should be understood that theabsorbent composite can be secured using any of the methods ofattachment described above, including for example various adhesives,stitching or other bonding methods. The absorbent composite can besecured to the body panels with any configuration of attachment lines,swirls, patterns, spots, etc., or can be a MI and continuous attachmenttherebetween.

One suitable absorbent garment construction having front and rear bodypanels with elastic elements is the Depend Protective underwearavailable from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, located in Neenah, Wis. andthe Assignee of the present application. In addition, various absorbentgarment constructions are disclosed for example and without limitationin U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2003/0135191A1 (Ser. No.09/899,808), filed Jul. 5, 2001, and U.S. Patent Application PublicationUS 2003/0088223 (Ser. No. 09/834,682), filed Apr. 13, 2001, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoingdetailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limitingand that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof,which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of assembling an absorbent garmentcomprising: strand coating at least one waist elastic element with afirst adhesive; applying a control coating of a second adhesive to aportion of one or both of first and second layers of web material havingcoincident terminal edges along at least one side thereof; disposingsaid at least one elastic element between said first and second layersof web material; and joining said first and second layers of webmaterial with said at least one elastic element strand coated with saidfirst adhesive and said control coating of said second adhesive to forma body panel for use in an absorbent garment, wherein said body panelhas at least first and second adhesive regions, wherein said firstadhesive region is defined by said at least one waist elastic elementindividually strand coated with a first adhesive, wherein said the atleast one waist elastic element individually strand coated with a firstadhesive is the only adhesive joining said first and second layers insaid first adhesive region, and the second adhesive region is defined bya control coating of a second adhesive applied between said first andsecond layers; wherein said first and second layers are first and secondlayers of spunbond material, and wherein said body panel in saidunstretched condition has a surface softness with a mean deviation ofcoefficient of friction less than about 0.020 in said first adhesiveregion.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said strand coating said atleast one elastic element with said first adhesive comprises strandcoating a plurality of elastic elements with said first adhesive andwherein said disposing said at least one elastic element between saidfirst and second layers of web material comprises disposing saidplurality of elastic elements between said first and second layers ofweb material in a spaced apart relationship, wherein said plurality ofelastic elements define a length of a first adhesive region, whereinsaid length of said first adhesive region extends to said coincidentterminal edges.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said first adhesive ofsaid strand coated plurality of elastic elements is the only adhesivejoining said first and second layers of web material in said firstadhesive region.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said portions of saidfirst and second layers of web material joined with said control coatingdefine a second adhesive regions, wherein at least a first portion ofsaid second adhesive region is free of any elastic elements and at leasta second portion of said second adhesive region comprises at least oneelastic element.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said portions of saidfirst and second layers of web material joined with said control coatingdefine a second adhesive regions, wherein said first adhesive region hasa greater sensory softness than said second adhesive region.